Safe beverage dispensing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a system and methods for safe dispensing of a hot liquid, the system comprising a receptacle for holding a liquid, an apparatus for heating the liquid in the receptacle and a dispensing apparatus, disposed outside said receptacle, for dispensing said liquid from the receptacle to a receiving vessel, wherein the dispensing apparatus comprises a safety device for safe release of the liquid to the receiving vessel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electric kettles and beverage dispensing containers, and more specifically to systems and methods for easy pouring of beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common practice to provide family members and visitors with hot beverages as a routine home activity. Many electric kettle device designs exist for preparing boiling water.

Some patent publications in the art include:

WO09070988A, which describes an electric kettle for heating water and keeping warm includes a body (1), a bottom seat (6) with a built-in control circuit (10), and a remote controller (20). On the seat are provided a control panel (11) and a platform (18). Color lights (17) are disposed on the platform. A temperature sensor (9) is installed in the seat to determine whether water is boiled. A transparent or semitransparent portion (19) is provided on the side wall of the body towards the platform.

US2009307404 describes a data connection (4, 12) between the base unit (1) and the cordless appliance (9) so that the base unit (1) knows what appliance is currently in use. This allows a control system (12) to be fitted in the base unit (1) that is sufficiently sophisticated to be able to control any of the cordless units, the identity of the unit (9) currently in use, and therefore the way in which it is to be controlled, being derived via the data connection (4, 12).

There is still a need to provide improved systems and methods for hot beverage provision.

There is further still a need to provide improved systems and methods for enabling children, elderly people and handicapped/movement limited people to pour beverages from large or heavy containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide improved systems and arrangements for hot drink provision.

It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide improved systems and arrangements for systems and methods for enabling children, elderly people and handicapped/movement limited people to pour beverages from large containers and/or heavy containers. These containers may weigh over 0.5 kg, over 1 kg, or more. Additionally, they may contain a liquid which weighs another 0.5 kg, 1 kg, or more. The large containers may be adapted to hold up to 0.5 liter, more than 0.5 liter, more than 2 liters or more.

In some embodiments of the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for hot drink provision.

In some additional embodiments of the present invention, improved safety methods and apparatus are provided for hot water provision.

In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is described for providing boiling water with a safety pouring mechanism.

In further preferred embodiments of the present invention, method and system is described for providing boiling water with a safety system for hot/boiling water release and dispensing.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for safe dispensing of a liquid, the system including:

-   -   a) a receptacle for holding a liquid;     -   b) an apparatus for heating the liquid in the receptacle; and     -   c) a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the liquid from the         receptacle to a receiving vessel, wherein the dispensing         apparatus includes a safety device for safe release of the         liquid to the receiving vessel.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system is a kettle system.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system is a hot beverage system.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is a kettle jug.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the safety device is housed in the dispensing apparatus.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing apparatus includes a handle.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle includes an internal conduit in fluid communication with the receptacle.

Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the safety device is operative to release the hot liquid via an aperture in the handle.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the aperture is disposed on a lower side of the handle.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the aperture faces downwards so as to release the liquid in a vertical stream to the receiving vessel.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a height of the aperture above a lower surface of the system is less than 20 cm.

Yet further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the height is less than 15 cm.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the aperture is adapted to be disposed at a vertical distance of less than 10 cm above an upper surface of the receiving vessel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receiving vessel is selected from a cup, a mug, a beaker and a glass.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a liquid release button on the handle, operative to release the liquid via the aperture.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a mechanical safety mechanism for preventing untoward release of a hot liquid via the dispensing apparatus.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system is constructed to enable dispensing of the hot liquid from at least one of:

-   -   a) a spout; and     -   b) a safety mechanism housed in the dispensing apparatus.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the safety mechanism is adapted to be in a closed position when pouring from the spout.

There is thus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for safely dispensing a hot liquid, the method including:

-   -   a) heating a liquid in the system of embodiment 1 to form a hot         liquid; and     -   b) dispensing the hot liquid via the dispensing apparatus to the         receiving vessel via the safety device.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot liquid is hot water.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hot water is boiling water.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method is adapted to enable a movement-disabled user to safely dispense hot water.

Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing step is performed at least in part via an electric pump.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing step includes;

-   -   a) holding the handle with at least part of a first hand; and     -   b) pulling back the handle with one finger of the first hand,         thereby dispensing the hot liquid to the receiving vessel.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the methods and systems described herein may be used for dispensing cold drinks and beverages from large receptacles.

Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for safe dispensing of a cold liquid, the system including;

-   -   a) a receptacle for holding a volume of at least one liter of         the cold liquid; and     -   b) a dispensing apparatus, in fluid communication with the         receptacle, for dispensing the liquid from the receptacle to a         receiving vessel, wherein the dispensing apparatus includes a         safety device, disposed outside the receptacle, for safe release         of the cold liquid to the receiving vessel.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes;

-   -   a) storing the cold liquid in the system as described herein;         and     -   b) dispensing the cold liquid via the dispensing apparatus to         the receiving vessel via the safety device.

Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing step includes;

-   -   i) holding the handle with at least part of a first hand; and     -   ii) pulling back the handle with one finger of the first hand,         thereby dispensing the cold liquid to the receiving vessel.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood.

With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a system for safe hot liquid dispensing in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a system for safe hot liquid dispensing in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a system for safe hot liquid dispensing in a tipped position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a simplified pictorial illustration showing further details of the safe pouring mechanism in an open position in the system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1E is a simplified pictorial illustration showing further details of the safe pouring mechanism in a closed position in the system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows details of a mechanical device for safe hot liquid dispensing in the system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B shows details of an activation mechanism in a closed position of the mechanical device for safe hot liquid dispensing of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2C shows details of an activation mechanism in an open position of the mechanical device for safe hot liquid dispensing of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In all the figures similar reference numerals identify similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these are specific embodiments and that the present invention may be practiced also in different ways that embody the characterizing features of the invention as described and claimed herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing a system 100 for safe hot liquid dispensing in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

System 100 comprises a vessel or receptacle 101 for holding a liquid 102, such as water. The vessel comprises a base unit 110 with one or more stands 112 for raising the height of the vessel. The base unit further comprises electrical means 114 for heating the liquid electrically, as is known in the art. The electrical means 114 is in electrical communication with a heating element 103 inside the vessel. It should be understood that the stands 112 may be integrated into the base unit or into the receptacle 101.

Vessel 101 may be any suitable liquid vessel, such as, but not limited to, a kettle jug, a water vessel, an urn, a hot water container and the like.

It should be further understood that receptacle 101, such as a kettle jug can be lifted with one handle and used to pour water in the normal way via the spout 122, as is shown in FIG. 1C or, at a different time, to release water via vertical release conduit 164, as is shown in FIG. 1B.

The vessel comprises a spout 122, which enables pouring of the liquid therefrom, as is known in the art. Housed inside a handle 130 is a safety device 150 for releasing the liquid via a horizontal channel 162 and a vertical release conduit 164 to a receiving vessel 140, such as a cup.

The safety device is described and shown in further detail hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 1D and 1E. The safety device comprises a largely horizontal channel 162 in fluid communication with the vessel 101 and with the vertical release conduit 164. The safety device may be activated electrically using handle 142, or mechanically by activating button 170 as is explained in further detail hereinbelow.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1B, which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing system 100 for safe hot liquid dispensing in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Safety device 150 may be opened by pulling handle 142 backwards, which electrically activates a magnet 180 (FIG. 1D) which retracts a spring 184, connected to a valve 187 and pulls back a valve head 188, thereby enabling flow of the liquid from the vessel via channel 162 and vertical release conduit 164 to receiving vessel 140. As can be seen the distance, h, from vertical release conduit 164 to the upper side of the receiving vessel is typically less than ten cm, and is sometimes less than 5 cm.

The handle 130 of the system 100 is designed and configured to enable the pouring of a drink/water form the vessel 101 directly into the receiving vessel 140 without requiring the tipping of the system/kettle or lifting of the receiving vessel/cup 140.

Some embodiments of this invention are directed to a kettle system, such as an electric kettle system 100 in which the handle 130 acts both as a mechanical means for lifting the kettle, as well as a safety device 150 for releasing hot water directly into a receiving vessel.

The safety device is disposed inside the body of the handle of the system and is not seen from the outside and only vertical release conduit 164 is seen extending downwards from the outside of the handle.

The present invention allows simple and safe pouring/dispensing of hot/boiling water/liquid without having to lift the whole weight or any weight of the kettle system. The present invention is particularly suitable for use for elderly, physically handicapped people, as well as for children.

The present invention further enables use of the safety device or standard tipping from spout 122.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1C, which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing system for safe hot liquid dispensing 100 in a tipped position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from the figure, the distance from the spout to the cup 140 is defined as h₂, wherein h₂ is significantly greater than h (FIG. 1A). In this configuration, hot water 102 can fall around the cup, as well as steam/water vapor 104 being released, which can scald or burn a user. The user needs to grasp the handle with his hand 199. This requires motor skills as well as strength in the hand and arm of the user.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1D, which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing further details of the safety device (safe pouring mechanism) 150 in an open position in the system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. If button 170 is activated (mechanical activation) or if handle 142 is pulled back (electrical activation) electrically activates a magnet 180 (FIG. 1D) which retracts a spring 184, connected to a valve 187 and pulls back a valve head 188, thereby enabling flow of the liquid from the vessel via channel 162 and vertical release conduit 164 to receiving vessel 140.

When handle 142 is released, magnet 180 is immediately returned to its initial position and spring 184 is released thereby closing valve head 188, which prevents the flow of water via vertical release conduit 164.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1E, which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing further details of the safe pouring mechanism in a closed position in the system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the spring fully extended and the valve head closed.

It should be understood that the mechanical mechanism for safe release of hot water, described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1E hereinabove, could be used in conjunction with/or replaced by an electric pump mechanism, as is known in the art. The present invention also encompasses the use of an electric pump (not shown) to pump water 102 from the receptacle 101 into handle 130 and to vertical release conduit 164.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2A, which shows details of a mechanical device/mechanism 200 for safe hot liquid dispensing in the system of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Mechanical device 200 comprises a manual activation button 272 having a centrally disposed hole 272, connected mechanically to rod 172, disposed in a hollow 176 of the handle 130.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2B, which shows details of a depression 276, through which a user inserts his thumb in order to slide activation mechanism annulus 271 upwards along grooves 278 through which rails 279 mate and slide upwards. The activation mechanism annulus of the mechanical device 270 for safe hot liquid dispensing of FIG. 2A, is in a closed position in FIG. 2B. The activation mechanism annulus 271 enables closure of the valve head 188 (FIG. 1D) by the mechanical connection of the rod 277 (similar or identical to rod 172 of FIG. 2A.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2C, which shows details of an activation mechanism in an open position of the mechanical device for safe hot liquid dispensing of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The references cited herein teach many principles that are applicable to the present invention. Therefore the full contents of these publications are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims. 

1. A system for safe dispensing of a hot liquid, the system comprising: a) a receptacle for holding a liquid; b) an apparatus for heating said liquid in said receptacle to form a hot liquid; and c) a dispensing apparatus, in fluid communication with said receptacle, for dispensing said liquid from said receptacle to a receiving vessel, wherein said dispensing apparatus comprises a safety device, disposed outside said receptacle, for safe release of said hot liquid to said receiving vessel.
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said system is a kettle system.
 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein said receptacle is a kettle jug.
 4. A system according to claim 3, wherein said safety device is housed in said dispensing apparatus.
 5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said dispensing apparatus comprises a handle.
 6. A system according to claim 5, wherein said handle comprises an internal conduit in fluid communication with said receptacle.
 7. A system according to claim 6, wherein said safety device is operative to release said hot liquid via an aperture in said handle.
 8. A system according to claim 7, wherein said aperture is disposed on a lower side of said handle.
 9. A system according to claim 8, wherein said aperture faces downwards so as to release said liquid in a vertical stream to said receiving vessel.
 10. A system according to claim 9, wherein a height of said aperture above a lower surface of said system is less than 20 cm.
 11. A system according to claim 9, wherein said height is less than 15 cm.
 12. A system according to claim 9, wherein said aperture is adapted to be disposed at a vertical distance of less than 10 cm above an upper surface of said receiving vessel.
 13. A system according to claim 12, wherein said receiving vessel is selected from a cup, a mug, a beaker and a glass.
 14. A system according to claim 7, further comprising a liquid release button on said handle, operative to release said liquid via said aperture.
 15. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanical safety mechanism for preventing untoward release of a hot liquid via said dispensing apparatus.
 16. A system according to claim 15, constructed to enable dispensing of said hot liquid from at least one of: a) a spout; and b) a safety mechanism housed in said dispensing apparatus.
 17. A system according to claim 16, wherein said safety mechanism is adapted to be in a closed position when pouring from said spout.
 18. A method for safely dispensing a hot liquid, the method comprising: a) heating a liquid in the system of claim 1 to form a hot liquid; and b) dispensing said hot liquid via said dispensing apparatus to said receiving vessel via said safety device.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said hot liquid is hot water.
 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said method is adapted to enable a movement-disabled user to safely dispense hot water without having to lift said receptacle.
 21. A method according to claim 18, wherein said dispensing step is performed at least in part via an electric pump.
 22. A method according to claim 18, wherein said dispensing step comprises: a) holding said handle with at least part of a first hand; and b) pulling back said handle with one finger of said hand, thereby dispensing said hot liquid to said receiving vessel.
 23. A system for safe dispensing of a cold liquid, the system comprising: a) a receptacle for holding a volume of at least one liter of said cold liquid; and b) a dispensing apparatus, in fluid communication with said receptacle, for dispensing said liquid from said receptacle to a receiving vessel, wherein said dispensing apparatus comprises a safety device, disposed outside said receptacle, for safe release of said cold liquid to said receiving vessel.
 24. A method for safely dispensing a cold liquid, the method comprising: a) storing said cold liquid in the system of claim 23; and b) dispensing said cold liquid via said dispensing apparatus to said receiving vessel via said safety device.
 25. A method according to claim 24, wherein said dispensing step comprises: a) holding said handle with at least part of a first hand; and b) pulling back said handle with one finger of said first hand, thereby dispensing said cold liquid to said receiving vessel. 